Renewable energy sources in transport : literature review and development perspective

Abstract

PURPOSE: The transportation sector is crucial for achieving global sustainability goals, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuels. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of research on renewable energy sources (RES) in transportation, identifying key trends, thematic clusters, and research gaps to support both academic and policy development in transport decarbonization.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A systematic bibliometric analysis was conducted using Scopus-indexed publications. VOSviewer software was applied to map publication trends, co-authorship networks, and thematic clusters, enabling the identification of dominant research streams and patterns of institutional collaboration.

FINDINGS: The analysis highlights three primary research streams: hydrogen technologies, electric mobility, and biofuels. China emerges as the leading country in terms of both publication output and collaboration intensity, followed by Europe and the United States. Furthermore, the study reveals underexplored areas in integrating renewable energy into transportation systems, signaling opportunities for future research.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders seeking to accelerate the transition toward sustainable transport. By identifying active research areas and gaps, the study supports strategic decision-making in funding allocation, technology development, and international cooperation.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study offers a data-driven and systematic perspective on the evolution of research related to RES in transportation. It uniquely combines bibliometric mapping with a focus on transport decarbonization, providing valuable input for scholars and practitioners working toward climate-neutral mobility systems.